Disappointed with another 'great' city...

[Guest RianB]

Boston that is...where do I start? Well I'll say overall it is a great city, seems quite functional and very lively (stayed in copley area and fenway). It has alot to offer, or so it seems. Its around water (yay!) has great summer weather, architecture looks good and many the people are quite helpful and friendly even though everything else moves fast. But not too fast though, you can still relax a bit.

 

However; the streets are the most complicated set of slab I have ever seen in my life. I discussed this with someone and although I understand why they were made that way, I cant see why they stay that way. For one, there are so many names for the streets that you, or I or anyone can have a street named after them it seems lol. The intersections are all weird and go all types of directions, there's no true north or south, just makes finding things so complicated on foot. After awhile I did get adjusted to the sqaure mile or 2 I was in, but beyond that was another puzzle. Atleast the drivers respect the pedestrians though...

 

Then, the most annoying part of this whole thing is the fact that this place has an abnormally high amount of time-wasters. I was getting several people booking and not showing or confirming. I dont know if it was because it was the week of the 4th or what. In Dallas and Miami, they are usually good with going through with things when booked, but here I am hard pressed to have experienced the amount of no-shows. And with switching between hotels, it made it even more irritating when people would call close to my check-out/in time and not make it. I dont know what kind of people New England breeds but they seem to have no regards for wasting an escort's time. However I did meet really good clients and I appreciated the ones who actually showed and confirmed properly. but they were the exception and by no means does the above pertain to them.

 

The hotels werent all that great either, talking about 3, 3.5 stars too. Obviously you'd have to shell out a bit more then the places Im from, but that shouldnt mean missing microwaves and fridges...which after staying in raddisson, holiday inn, and mariott neither one had either. Going to the resturaunts 2-3 times a day for a week is not my style. But the food here is pretty good

 

I would apologize in advance to anyone who may think Im 'bashing' their place, but I wont because Im not 'bashing' it. Just that the differences are too great for me to get over, and those things affect the way I view things. But I do apologize to the mods, I hope this isnt more for a travel forum!

[+ azdr0710]

I've lived out West since I was 2....last visited Boston in 2002 and I really like it back there, as a visitor....I love American history and that place is certainly it for that!....

 

I'm sure the people you say you talked to explained why the roads are the way they are...remember, cars were about 250 years from being invented when the city was laid out!!....and it'd be pretty expensive to change the layout now.....

 

it's a great walking town, lots of great local hangouts and there's a certain stability back there that the West hasn't achieved yet....

 

but as the saying goes, "a great place to visit, but I.........." I don't want to finish it for fear of insulting the locals.....

[seaboy4hire]

I've lived out West since I was 2....last visited Boston in 2002 and I really like it back there, as a visitor....I love American history and that place is certainly it for that!....

 

I'm sure the people you say you talked to explained why the roads are the way they are...remember, cars were about 250 years from being invented when the city was laid out!!....and it'd be pretty expensive to change the layout now.....

 

it's a great walking town, lots of great local hangouts and there's a certain stability back there that the West hasn't achieved yet....

 

but as the saying goes, "a great place to visit, but I.........." I don't want to finish it for fear of insulting the locals.....

 

What do you mean that Boston has a certain stability that the west does not have? I haven't been out there yet so was just wondering.

 

Hugs,

Greg

[uwsman2]

re Boston roads

 

I went to law school in the Boston metro area, and spent three years trying to figure out the puzzle that is downtown Boston. (Cambridge isn't much better.) This city was laid out before "the grid" was invented. Cowpaths and Indian footpaths that followed the natural flow of the land dictated the layout of roads in the original colonial city, and they've never really been straightened out.

 

Anybody familiar with old European cities won't find Boston such a challenge. Try London, for example. Every time I've visited, it's taken me several days before I could feel marginally comfortable at knowing where I was and what direction was east or west. Amsterdam is another one that takes quite a bit of time to figure out. But once you've spent a few days walking around, it falls into place.

[Steven_Draker]

Boston, the most European of all American Cities

 

Rian,

If you find Boston challenging, I invite you to come and visit Europe.

Boston was found and built in the 17th century, long time before someone invented the "perfect grid". When visiting Boston (as when you visit Europe) try to make abstraction of your concept of North-South and East-West, because you may end up at a place you least expected. The streets curve and go in several directions and if you don't know your way around you may (and will) get lost. The best way to find your way around is to get a map and spend hours walking and exploring the City. In that regard, Boston is doable, and it holds right its name "The Walking City". Enjoy it as I always have.

 

Cheers, Steven ~

[Racketjock]

Amen

 

Steven is right on. Although a historical city with beauty in its own right, it can be a directionaly challenge to navigate without a map. It is the main US city that reminds me the most of Europe. Walking can indeed be an adventure.

[+ azdr0710]

What do you mean that Boston has a certain stability that the west does not have? I haven't been out there yet so was just wondering.

 

Hugs,

Greg

 

Hi Greg.....I only mean that out West here, for example, a 50-year-old building is approaching the time it can be on the historical register!....people are coming and going all the time out here - and back in the East, the neighborhoods are well-established, stable, like it's been that way for decades (it has)...lots of local markets, stores, family.....

 

not that there is nothing of that out West, but just not the same aura as back East.....

 

I remember deliberately turning off the Freedom (Liberty?) Trail in Boston while walking thru the North End onto some back streets not on the tourist route....soon, I could hear Italian families having good-natured, loud discussions echoing thru the streets, see local bread trucks delivering their goods, walk by local hangouts....just had that classic aura of an old Eastern city....

 

we do have that out here in the Hispanic neighborhoods, but maybe it was just my being in a fairly different environment as a tourist that made it seem "exotic" (!).....

[dcguy20]

RianB, I hear you!! I visited Boston a year and a half ago and was 45 minutes late for meeting a friend for lunch as I got lost on the way over there!! However, I did not have a problem navigating the streets of Paris. Go figure.

[Guest RianB]

What do you mean that Boston has a certain stability that the west does not have?

 

Not sure what he meant, but Im thinking in terms of transportation? Its liberating to not feel 100% dependent, handicapped...on having a car (rental cars here aren't cheap, so I passed but then again at every front desk you hear, "dont drive, just walk

 

Rian,

If you find Boston challenging, I invite you to come and visit Europe.

 

Well see, when I looked at Boston I noticed that it is very similar to London's layout (I've seen documentries on London's street system, ugh). But at the time I didnt know exactly what that layout was to be. And actually, when I was first here I did carry around a letterhead printed with a map of the side of town I was. And yes, go ahead and invite me to Europe LOL!

 

Ok...as an update to this, I found out what might be causing these people here to flake out of bookings and not show up. Remember the craigslist murder not long ago in Boston? Well last night a client and I were talking about that; and he absolutely would not come to my room. The guys here are now terrified about all sorts of stuff. Thanks to that asshole, a very good market has waned quite a bit, who knows when it'll be back to the way it was, although I dont even know how good it was. Guests are more content to meet first for a drink elsewhere than to meet someone in their room. Although that did cross my mind before I came here, I didnt think it would affect all walks of the business, but it certainly does. But regardless, anyone who doesnt call to cancel/confirm a booking is still inconsiderate and I had to let someone know that today!

 

But yeah, mile for mile this has to be 1 of the best city I've been to. There's really nothing missing here. It can be annoying from time to time, but it makes up for it in what it offers. Im about 20 floors up and looking around downtown, its just fucking beautiful! Even the ground level fog and 3 mile visibility last week was just gorgeous. Where else do you see that in summer!? There is a good chance I'll return, as the people in Boston just love me, and me them. And here it is a Monday after a major holiday, and the city is still bustling...thats a sure way to tell if a place sucks or not. If its empty after a major holiday it sucks....not here though

 

and P.S...if you stay here awhile you'll turn into a Red Sox fan, never seen this much love for baseball anywhere...they take it seriously!

[seaboy4hire]

 

and P.S...if you stay here awhile you'll turn into a Red Sox fan, never seen this much love for baseball anywhere...they take it seriously!

 

Try Chicago. Huge north and south riverely. Boobers (he likes the Sox) wont even touch my Cubs hats, lunch box (I carry my netbook in it) or backpack.

 

Hugs

Greg

[Guest RianB]

Try Chicago.

 

yes that is also on the list. I must hurry up too before the winter begins! But now I'm disappointed that I left Boston, I was having so much fun. Well I can only walk so much, legs and feet hurt so much. Thats something that is developed, not in 1 week...

[Romann]

Sorry to hear about your experience.

 

I have been in Boston twice now and each time I have really enjoyed the city; very historical and quite lively in the Downtown and Copley area. If you're a Starbucks fan, I pretty much saw one on almost every other street corner - more so than McDonalds. I especially loved the accent which is beyond hot! Yes yes! But, that's just me.

 

I would recommend giving Boston another try and possible change your location and hotel. I would be more than happy to talk in more detail about it.

 

You can't go wrong with Chicago in my opinion! The city has that midwest mindset where I think people are much more relaxed, laid back and operate on a live and let live attitude which is pleasing in my book. There is more than enough to see and things to do in the city not to mention there are beaches close to downtown if you're interested in volleyball and other outdoor sports. The public transportation is incredible and I have always found that I can get just about anywhere with a little planning and most people on the streets were quite helpful with information and locations of train stations and routes. You can't go wrong with that city but the winters are something to be avoided if you're not into the cold. I was raised most of my childhood and teen years in Nebraska but even the wind in Chicago goes right through me - almost unbearable in my opinion unless you're wearing more than one layer of clothing, coat and scarf. I do love that city!

 

Hope this helps.

[Guest zipperzone]

You can't go wrong with Chicago but the winters are something to be avoided if you're not into the cold. I was raised most of my childhood and teen years in Nebraska but even the wind in Chicago goes right through me - almost unbearable in my opinion unless you're wearing more than one layer of clothing, coat and scarf. I do love that city! QUOTE]

 

Well Boston isn't exactly tropical in the winter either!

[Guest RianB]

Sorry to hear about your experience.

 

If you're a Starbucks fan, I pretty much saw one on almost every other street corner - more so than McDonalds. I would recommend giving Boston another try and possible change your location and hotel. I would be more than happy to talk in more detail about it.

 

And dunkin doughnuts! But dont get me wrong...I wasnt implying I wont ever go back to Boston. I was only disappointed at just those things I mentioned, but not in a way that'd make me avoid it. There are cities that I've blacklisted and wont go to under any circumstances. But since Boston is lively, functions like a normal city and everything else, theres no reason I wouldnt go back.

 

So although what I mentioned holds true, Boston does make up for it. For example, the confusing streets are taken care of cos the tubes run so well that regardless you can get anywhere, and quickly. The no-shows? well the do-shows have turned out to be cool to hangout with. The hotels werent terrible by any means, I just wanted a microwave and fridge!

 

And Romann, seriously what do you NOT like? You'd love any city LOL, im just a critic at times, There are some cities I love as much as I hate. Like Miami/Lauderdale. Love at 1st sight, but very annoying at times, the locals will tell you!

[AdamSmith]

Rian, everything bad you say about Boston is true. Most of the good & kind things you said are true too. Charming place, great walking city, vibrant & alive any time of year, imbued with much more real history than manufactured Ye Olde encrustations. But it is impossible to navigate, either by car or on foot -- I've lived here for 27 years and still get lost, even in patches of town I've been through dozens of times before. And you are kinder to the subway system than it deserves -- just never seems to go quite all the way to your destination, or to run quite late enough.

 

Beyond all that, though, the worst thing about Boston is the deadly, never-ending drought of beautiful working boys. For that reason alone, come back! We miss you already.

[+ purplekow]

Beyond all that, though, the worst thing about Boston is the deadly, never-ending drought of beautiful working boys. For that reason alone, come back! We miss you already.

 

As an outsider, I thought the worst thing about Boston was the endless numbers of Red Sox fans.

[AdamSmith]

As an outsider, I thought the worst thing about Boston was the endless numbers of Red Sox fans.

 

Also pretty bad. But that you can just about ignore, by taking care not to drive by Fenway, and not to talk to any locals, at any time during baseball season.

 

Putting up with the shortage of boys is harder.

 

As it were.

[+ Lucky]

But, the very cute Jacoby Ellsbury plays for the Boston Red Sox- perhaps the only reason to watch them!

[Romann]

You would be correct, there are few cities that I don't like because each place is a new adventure for me even if I have been there before. While I try to see all the sights and check out what all the locals are talking about, I'm always meeting new people and for me, the people, IMHO really make the city special. Befriend the locals and they will treat you well with hidden places and destinations.

 

And dunkin doughnuts! But dont get me wrong...I wasnt implying I wont ever go back to Boston. I was only disappointed at just those things I mentioned, but not in a way that'd make me avoid it. There are cities that I've blacklisted and wont go to under any circumstances. But since Boston is lively, functions like a normal city and everything else, theres no reason I wouldnt go back.

 

So although what I mentioned holds true, Boston does make up for it. For example, the confusing streets are taken care of cos the tubes run so well that regardless you can get anywhere, and quickly. The no-shows? well the do-shows have turned out to be cool to hangout with. The hotels werent terrible by any means, I just wanted a microwave and fridge!

 

And Romann, seriously what do you NOT like? You'd love any city LOL, im just a critic at times, There are some cities I love as much as I hate. Like Miami/Lauderdale. Love at 1st sight, but very annoying at times, the locals will tell you!

[Guest RianB]

You would be correct, there are few cities that I don't like because each place is a new adventure for me even if I have been there before. While I try to see all the sights and check out what all the locals are talking about, I'm always meeting new people and for me, the people, IMHO really make the city special. Befriend the locals and they will treat you well with hidden places and destinations.

 

well see thats where it gets tricky...because people can also wreck a city. There are lots of cities that have great potential but due to the people, have never quite reached that. For example I just do not; under any circumstances, like the Dallas/Fort Worth 'people'. Thats already been established with me. Alot of the behavior and attitudes of the area has probably been around for years and so there's definently a noticeable difference.

 

But here's the catch, just because I dont like a city's 'people' doesnt mean I wont like an individual. For some reason, I find being with individuals far better than to deal with a bunch of people. People like to show their asses. People do make a city, and every city is known for a certain type of people. Individuals are usually more willing to take time out and be themselves (whatever that may be). Its why I do escorting instead of dancing. Its why I like 1 on 1 over 3-soms. So I deal with individuals instead of people.

[Romann]

To each their own is what I always say... Though, I'm a DFW/Metroplex resident and have been for 4.5 years as of July 28th so I'm not quite sure how to interpret your comments about the "people".

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_–_Fort_Worth_Metroplex

 

well see thats where it gets tricky...because people can also wreck a city. There are lots of cities that have great potential but due to the people, have never quite reached that. For example I just do not; under any circumstances, like the Dallas/Fort Worth 'people'. Thats already been established with me. Alot of the behavior and attitudes of the area has probably been around for years and so there's definently a noticeable difference.

 

But here's the catch, just because I dont like a city's 'people' doesnt mean I wont like an individual. For some reason, I find being with individuals far better than to deal with a bunch of people. People like to show their asses. People do make a city, and every city is known for a certain type of people. Individuals are usually more willing to take time out and be themselves (whatever that may be). Its why I do escorting instead of dancing. Its why I like 1 on 1 over 3-soms. So I deal with individuals instead of people.

[Guest RianB]

To each their own is what I always say... Though, I'm a DFW/Metroplex resident and have been for 4.5 years as of July 28th so I'm not quite sure how to interpret your comments about the "people".

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_–_Fort_Worth_Metroplex

 

This month would make it my first year here...Its hard to explain how the people are here without generalizing. Me and you probably see it and receive it differently because we are totally different. To go back to the original topic, I'll compare Boston and Dallas...

 

For one, the people in Boston seem more open about things and life in general. People in Boston are more outgoing and I would even meet clients who actually wanted to go out in public; a bar, a resturaunt or whatever.

 

Contrast that to DFW; where many people would rather play discreet and show minimum involvement with a stranger. And if the person isnt very similar to them, all the less involvement. I feel a person has to be here for YEARS to establish a clique. I've yet to come across that yet, and usually it takes me only a few months. A very prententious place, and not nearly as friendly as what I was told. I think some of it has to do with the general history of the area and the fact that people here dont get as much interaction with others, living in Dallas we spend alot of time in the car on the highways, instead of on subways and streets talking with people. Its nice to have the few open-minded people here in Dallas; but for its size its few and far between. There is just no comparison between Texas and the Northeast, it just doesnt exist. Boston would definently win my vote if I had to compare the 2.